Navy Sailor Pant: That’s Bell Bottoms to You, Mate!?

Answer 1

The navy sailor pant’s true origins began somewhere in the annals of time. Hundreds of years later, the pants, better known as bell bottoms, are a wardrobe staple that go in and out of fashion but never really lose their admirers.

The first historical mention of navy bell bottoms was in the early 1800s when very wide pants ending in a bell were noted being worn by US sailors. The British Navy, always regarded as the style-makers where naval fashion was concerned, didn’t adopt bell bottoms until the 1860s.

Even the reason for the origins of the bell bottom are shrouded in mystery. The tradition goes that if a sailor was thrown overboard, he could collect air in his bells and use them as a life preserver. It is not known if this was ever proven to be the case, but it’s the best story we have.

The flap of many of naval bell bottoms is fastened with thirteen brass-colored buttons. The most popular historical guess here is that it represents the thirteen colonies that became the United States. That sounds a bit more plausible, but still debatable.

Navy sailor pants, AKA bell bottoms, can still be bought in Army-Navy Surplus Stores. These are the original and best. There is something about bell bottoms that make them comfortable to wear and interesting to look at. Generations of hormonal kids have dedicated their lives to unraveling that mystery.

Circa WWII canvas bell bottom pants in white and navy blue can still be acquired. They need to be washed in hot water, the naval shrink to fit jeans. It is even possible to buy surplus German WWII navy sailor pants, but that’s just a bit too creepy to contemplate.

Of course, fashion designers have had their own take on bell bottoms, and it is now possible to acquire their designs from LL Bean to Victoria’s Secret. Now, bell bottoms, or boot cuts are worn by everyone of every age and walk of life.

A trip around the internet will enlighten anyone regarding the popularity and staying power of bell bottoms. They can even be bought second hand on Ebay. They are Americana now.